Genetically Modified Food - Essay Example

Genetically Modified Food” Introduction: The establishment of life on the Earth is solely based on genes. Every organism is made up of cells; all cells encompass a plethora of genetic material. When these genes are expressed, it defines the phenotypic and genotypic characters of the organism. Humans are opportune as they are being bestowed with the supreme genetics on the globe to divulge the unrevealed genetics. Advances in science and technology provide the methodology and an opportunity to play with genes by varying the genetic makeup of self and also of the other inhabitants of the planet. This is further enunciated through the genetically modified food items. The question that is a constant worry for the researchers is- Are these food items really serving human beings or they are imposing injurious effects to mankind? Delve into studies across the globe institute the deleterious effects of Genetically Modified (GM) food stuffs. It is apparent that the costs that we are disbursing are through alteration of our own genetic material. Investigations further accentuate that one of the chief causes of cancer is the utilization and immense intake of GM food stuff that are unnaturally or synthetically produced. Public have a preference for GM food items as they possess superior appearance and stay fresh for extensive length of time and most of all they are devoid of insects and other bugs particularly in fruits and vegetables. Considering and perceiving this human psychology GM food stuff has given a boom to the market in every aspect of food industry (Charles, 2002). Mounting demands put pressure on the supply and therefore each day fresh companies are escalating, plunking control, either political or social on FDA. This is a sole contravention of unautocratic regulatory methodology and also infringes and disregards the research results. Playing tricks in front of Food Law is parallel to criminal offence as it is unswervingly distressing the lives of patrons. Essentially, authorities should take honest, ingenuous and commendable move towards the security of those who are consuming the GM food stuffs along with the quality and hazardous implications of GM food stuffs. Alternatively, it is the accountability of each inhabitant of every nation to be vigilant about the misleading and ambiguous assertions that GM food stuffs make (Charles, 2002). Studies carried out all over the world and research outcomes emphasize that ingestion of natural and healthy food encompassing all the natural foodstuffs that are not genetically altered possess higher food value as compared to the genetically modified food stuffs (Charles, 2002). The understanding for GM food stuffs is of prominence as these genetically altered food stuffs are synthesized from recombinant DNA products and probable enough to trigger or galvanize any living issue or cell or gene or its product(s) and thereby activates or alters the genetic makeup of the consumers. Advent of technology and refined skills enable the process of cell fusion, micro and macro encapsulation, gene deletion or duplication or transgenesis. These are the processes that facilitate genetic manipulations which are exploited for the formation of GM food. Thus GM food stuffs are strenuous for the laws of nature. To be fit for the cut throat competitions companies are under pressure to introduce something new and innovative that can attract the consumers in the market, this marketing policy is costing the health hazards. These reasons paved the way to label the GM products as “Genetically Engineered Food Labeling Act”. The Act imposes the fundamental wakefulness amongst the people when buying or selling such product (Grubesic, 2005). Almost all the categories of food are influenced with genetic alterations: Agriculture: Includes food stuffs with food preservatives and stabilizers so as to acquire a wide range of marketing and these items are packed and supplied to far-flung places devoid of any destruction or damage. These food stuffs are given radiation treatment to uphold uncontaminated state for longer sustainability. These food stuffs must be appropriately labeled with tags like “GM”. The existing period observes hybridization of seeds, plants, fruits and vegetables and even poultry animals (Grubesic, 2005). In certain cases, enzymes are tailored and consequently the particulars and information must be included on the label particularly for dairy or meat foodstuffs. In poultry, animals are developed transgenetically. The method is adopted to fulfill the escalating demands of the growing population, therefore escalation is required for production of milk and livestock. The GM animals or even the natural breeds are fed with GM feed to enhance the production and meet the demands. In the process of doing so the food value is affected (Charles, 2002). In transgenic animals, genes are relocated from animal which may or may not belong to the same species which is very deleterious to the health. These transgenic genes are health hazard as any triggering factor can remove the gene being transferred or alter the expected outcomes, resulting in mutation of the organism. It is also observed that once tested for excellence in quality assurance, the quality is not maintained or there may be changes as temperature control could be altered resulting in alteration in the genetic material and producing devastating effects. They are bound to react to the variations in the environmental conditions and therefore it is essential to be away from these genetically modified food stuffs. The book “Lords of Harvest” clearly signifies the battle of biotechnology against environmentalism. It has given a clear view how the altered genes in GM corns and soybeans act as self insecticides and thus affects the consumers too. The article pollution in people establish an eye opening results that when Washington residents were tested for their hair, blood and urine for the presence of any kind of toxic material, they were surprised to get the various groups of chemicals in their blood from heavy metals to chloro-fluoro carbonated compounds, pesticides etc which are known to cause deleterious health hazards (Pollution in people). In a similar manner the book Seeds of Deception also exposed the Industries and Government about the safety of Genetically Engineered Foods. It tells about the various health risk that are imposed by the consumption of GM food stuffs. Conclusion When we are developing plants that are resistant to insects for our sake, we are directly affecting the food chain, as high in the hierarchy the organisms are going to starve and will be deprived of the food stuffs. It is also observed that the land occupied by the GM plants remains inhabitable for other plant species. Deleterious effects of GM are not only confined to creation of barren lands but also cause various food allergies, birth defects and reduced life expectancy. It is essential that the government should take a definite move for the regulation of genetic modified foods. Nations vary in formulating the laws for the GM food stuffs. The technologies must undergo thorough safety assessments before they are being marketed and are made available for the consumption of people or animals as animal food. References: Charles, D. Lords of the Harvest: Biotech, Big Money, And the Future of Food. Publisher: Basic Books. 2002. Grubesic, J. T. L. The Genetically Engineered Food Labeling Act. 2005. Available at http://www.mindfully.org/GE/2005/NM-Food-Labeling-Act-90617feb05.htm. [Accessed on 6th March 2010]. Pollution in People Available at http://pollutioninpeople.org/results. [Accessed on 6th March 2010]. Smith, J. M. Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies About the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods Youre Eating. Publisher: Yes! Books. 2003.             Read More